Queensland transport head fired

The head of Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads has been sacked.

Premier Campbell Newman says he gave notice on Friday to Michael Caltabiano that his employment will be terminated, effective March 15.

Mr Caltabiano will remain on leave until that date.

He has been pocketing an estimated $10,000 a week before tax.

The former Liberal MP stood down in October when he was referred to the parliamentary Ethics Committee for allegedly misinforming an estimates hearing about his work history.

He allegedly lied about his work history with Ben Gommers, the son of former Arts Minister Ros Bates, who was given a plum job in his department.

The matter was also referred to the Crime and Misconduct Commission, and that investigation is still pending.

Queensland Opposition leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said the premier's complete lack of leadership has been exposed twice in one day, following the resignation of embattled Arts and IT Minister Ros Bates.

"There has been a cloud over this Director General for months now, dating back to the Estimates Hearings where the answers he provided were enough for the government to stand him down," she said.

"But the Premier has failed in the basic task of leading his government, by doing nothing in relation to Mr Caltabiano and doing nothing in relation to Ms Bates when she was clearly not performing as a Minister."

Ms Palaszczuk was outraged Mr Caltabiano's been sitting at home on full pay for 20 weeks.

"That's $200,000 this Director General has been handed for doing nothing - and that is obscene," she said.

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